What secret could such a small valley possibly hide, that it could “swallow” an entire army in so short a time? It was utterly bizarre!

At this moment, the mood outside the mountains was completely different from that morning.

A full two days spent finding a weakness to exploit — who would have guessed the result would turn out like this?

“General.” The kneeling soldier in the camp looked up slightly. “Perhaps today’s gap in their defenses was left on purpose.”

“What did you say?” Feng Rui clenched his fist and slammed it onto the table.

The wooden table shattered instantly.

“It’s…” the soldier trembled with fear, “General, this gap was discovered by our own soldiers this morning.”

“After the first and second companies entered the mountain, the third company trying to follow was blocked halfway.”

“Then… the first and second companies lost contact…”

“Judging from all of this, General, do you think my guess might be… reasonable?”

“Preposterous! Has this general fallen for their trick again?” Feng Rui’s clenched fist made a cracking sound.

“Is it Feng Jiang? Or that Commandery Princess? What’s that little girl’s name again? I’m furious!”

“General.” The soldier cupped his hands. “I’ve heard… it’s called Feng Jiu’er.”

“And her husband is the prince of the Bei Mu Kingdom who gave up his throne for a beauty. I hear the two of them have quite extensive combat experience.”

“Extensive experience, at that age?” Feng Rui scoffed coldly. “Just cheap tricks — I, Feng Rui, fear nothing!”

“Pass down the order — have the eighth company prepare. Tonight at midnight, full-scale assault!”

“This general refuses to believe that with our current numbers, we should fear them!”

The soldier stood, bowed, and cupped his hands. “General, word came yesterday that the enemy has received reinforcements.”

“We still don’t have accurate information on the size of that reinforcement — should we really launch a full assault?”

“It’s the Yue family’s men.” Feng Rui knitted his brows. “Go, do as I’ve instructed.”

“Yes, sir.” The soldier cupped his hands again and turned to leave.

Feng Rui watched the tent flap fall, his brow creasing slightly, though the corner of his mouth curved into a meaningful smile…

Throughout the day, half the people in the valley were busy while the other half rested at ease.

After nightfall, the two groups switched places.

Those who had been busy all day finally had a moment of leisure and hurried to rest and recover.

Those conserving their strength took up their weapons and stood guard at their posts.

After dinner, Feng Jiu’er, together with Yue Jianfei, Tang Xiaohua, and Qiaomu, rode toward the mountain forest.

They had just stopped before the mountain when Xing Zizhou rode up to meet them.

“Jiu’er, most of the enemy forces are stationed outside the mountains, seemingly ready for an all-out assault.”

“Mn.” Feng Jiu’er nodded gently. “How is everything else coming along?”

“Aside from the stone forest, which is still under construction, everything else that needs preparing is done,” Xing Zizhou replied.

“Did Zhao Yusheng say how much longer the stone forest formation will take?” Feng Jiu’er asked.

“About two more hours.” Xing Zizhou turned and glanced toward the stone forest.

“The next wave of enemy troops entering the mountain is expected to number seventy to eighty thousand — that’s a huge number, so Zhao Yusheng says two hours is necessary.”

“He estimates that by then he can draw away twenty thousand enemy troops; the rest will have to be dealt with by the brothers stationed further back.”

“I just returned from the rear.” Yue Jianfei rode his horse forward a step.

“The rear is fully prepared and ready to engage at any moment!”